Prospects and challenges of using theatre for development to promote women’s participation in local politics: a case study of Buzi village in Bukoba rural district, Tanzania

Abstract

The study examined prospects and challenges of using theatre for development to promote women’s participation in local politics with a focus on Buzi village in Bukoba Rural district, Tanzania. The main aim of the study was to examine whether or not women can be empowered to participate effectively in politics and other key decisions-making organs at local level. That was designed by using theatre for development as a vehicle and media of communication. Secondary data were obtained from both published and unpublished materials from different libraries, including UDSM, TGNP, IDS, and FAWE-TZ. Primary data were obtained through observation, questionnaire and theatre. Overall findings from this study indicate that; first, women do not participate effectively in local politics and decision-making organs due to the influence of social, economic and political structures prevailing in the society. Second, it was found that, theatre for development can be used to empower and sensitize women to participate in local politics and decision-making bodies through the use of indigenous media of communication familiar to them. It is recommended that the government should mainstream theatre for development in different developmental policies, and that gender policy advocacy should be done to rural communities for them to understand the on going development issues in the country.